Norton Releases Remarks from Black History Month Open House
WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released her remarks from her Black History Month open house at her district office.
“Black History Month is a time to remember great Black men and women and their accomplishments, contributions and experiences,” Norton said. “I hope to expand the discussion of Black History Month by highlighting the experience of Black people from across the African Diaspora here in the District of Columbia.”
Norton’s remarks follow, as prepared for delivery.
Remarks of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Black History Month
February 22, 2023
Thank you all for attending my Black History Month Open House. Black History Month is a time to remember great Black men and women and their accomplishments, contributions and experiences. As a member of Congress, I have introduced legislation recognizing many of them. In 2003, I got a bill signed into law that made the D.C. home of Carter G. Woodson, the father of Black History Month, a unit of the National Park System.
This evening I hope to expand the discussion of Black History Month by highlighting the experience of Black people from across the African Diaspora here in the District of Columbia. In particular, the Black community with roots in the 2nd independent country of the Americas, Haiti.
Of the immigrants from the Caribbean, Haitians make up a little less than 10% of the population of over 83,000 residents in the District of Columbia Metropolitan region. Although Haitians in the District have a small presence, the communities support of one another and their impact has made a great impression locally, nationally and internationally, in part, behind the support of the family of Ms. Myrtha Charlot.
Myrtha Charlot’s family is one of the District of Colombia’s oldest documented Haitian families going back to the late 1940’s.The family lived at 5408 Colorado Ave NW which became a temporary home away from home for hundreds of Haitians passing through, or coming to set up life in the Washington Metropolitan area. The Charlot home, located in the white segregated part of Washington, hosted many Haitian, African, and American intellectuals to discuss politics; send their children to learn French; and where many artists and writers gathered for support and inspiration.
Some of the more well-known visitors and regular guests for Sunday dinner at the Charlot home include:
Pierre Richard Prosper, former U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Ward Crimes.
Alexia Latortue, U.S. Treasury Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development.
And The District of Columbia’s first independently elected Attorney General and Karl Racine.
Myrtha Charlot, herself, was the first Haitian Creole Teacher in 1951 at the Foreign Service Institute eventually retiring from the Embassy of Haiti here in Washington DC. Unfortunately, her fragile health won’t allow her to be with us this evening but let’s extend a warm applause to her family who has graciously loaned my office the rare art pieces you are witnessing today.
The piece next to me is from internationally acclaimed Haitian born, Washington, D.C. resident Liz Martineau. And in my conference room is the Piece de Resistance! An original work from a close friend of Myrtha, the iconic Harlem Renaissance artist and educator, Lois Mailou Jones, who had a studio here in the District before she passed in 1998.
Before we go back to networking, nibbling and acknowledging the value of, community and staying connected. Please pause for a few words from Myrtha’s nephew, Jose Dorce.
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